Q. What does ERMA New Zealand do?
A. Our job is to consider applications to introduce hazardous substances and new organisms. There is also an important task in transferring a large number of existing substances to the new regime. ERMA New Zealand is responsible for monitoring compliance with conditions attached to approved applications. We also monitor enforcement and the general effectiveness of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act, (HSNO Act) provide advice to the Minister for the Environment and promote public awareness.
Q. When did ERMA New Zealand start work?
A. The Authority was set up in 1996 and its initial work was to develop and consult the public on a Methodology, to guide it in making decisions under Part V of the HSNO Act. The Act came into effect for new organisms on 29 July 1998 and 2 July 2001 for Hazardous Substances.
Q. What happens now ERMA New Zealand has started business?
A. The HSNO Act came into effect for new organisms on 29 July 1998. ERMA New Zealand is receiving applications from people who wish to import, develop, field test or release new organisms, including genetically modified organisms. Applicants are encouraged to talk to us early in the process before they lodge a formal application. Other functions of HSNO relating to new organisms also came into effect in July including enforcement and the transfer of existing approvals.
Q. ERMA New Zealand logo, what does it stand for?
A. competition was held during ERMA New Zealand's establishment to design a logo reflecting our purpose. The brief included that 'the design should reflect feelings for the environment and be of basic Maori design, reflecting its relationship with the environment'. The winning entry was submitted by Melena Smith. She describes it as 'a circle representing the earth and the circle of life, branching down into a fern-like or shell-like shape, representing Papatuanuku - Mother Earth. The lines at the bottom represent rain, as though Papatuanuku is nurturing the earth'. The logo was developed further by local design firm Mission Hall from the initial design into its present form depicting 'interconnectedness' and an 'e' for ERMA New Zealand. The colours were chosen to reflect the earth and the sky. The classical, formal font for the lettering was chosen to convey: stability, knowledge, competence.
For more information see About Us.
If you have any further questions contact: info@ermanz.govt.nz. A full listing of how you can contact ERMA New Zealand is in the Contact us section.